TCM herbs

In this article, we review the chemical structures and sources of the currently known naturally occurring phthalides of plant. Recent advances related to the biological activities of the extensively investigated natural phthalides are also described. As examples, we focus on the phthalide ingredients and medical uses of three commonly used phthalide-containing TCM herbs. 

Table 6. Phthalide Ingredients Present in Three Commonly Used Phthalide-Containing TCM Herbs...

Other clinical studies, which include only a few case reports, were all carried out using the extracts of phthalide-containing TCM herbs [364-368]. However, in most of these studies, the general and fundamental clinical trial designs employing features such as randomization, double blinding, placebo control, and proper statistical analysis were rarely employed. 

Windrum P, Hull DR, Morris TCM Herb-drug interactions Lancet (2000) 355,1019-20. 

By using these approaches, numerous drugs have been discovered from the active principles of TCM herbs, as described in the previous sections and below. Ephedrine and artemisinin exemplify drugs identified from single herbs, while indirubin demonstrates a drug discovered from an herbal formula. 

Interaction with drug metabolism liquorices, which are the most commonly used herbs in TCM can increase metabolites (e.g., nortriptyline, desipramine, and norclomipramine) of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and may produce more side effects (such as dry mouth, constipation, palpitation, etc.) (Xu, 2004 Zhu Huang, 2004). 

Since a herbal combination has obvious advantages in treatment, the relationships between the herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been carefully studied and certain types of relationship are identified. They are called the seven relations between herbs, e.g. mutual accentuation, mutual enhancement, mutual counteraction, mutual suppression, mutual antagonism, mutual incompatibility and single effect. Some of these are very useful in treatment, but some are harmful and therefore must be avoided. 

In these situations, treatment procedures in TCM that are similar in approach to the hypnotic and sedative drugs should not be used, or used only with caution. Instead, procedures that disperse constrained Qi, clear heat, promote digestion, and remove dampness and phlegm should be applied. Herbs and a diet that tonify the blood should be used for a long period of time. All of these can assist western drugs to calm the mind in an effective way and to reduce their side effects. TCM treatment can thus shorten the course of treatment required with hypnotic and sedative drugs and reduce their dosage. 

St John s wort and Ginseng are also frequently suggested for treating mild depression. According to syndrome differentiation in TCM, they are only suitable for treating patients who suffer from depression due to deficiency of Qi and Yang. If the patients have a Yin deficiency, internal heat or constrained heat due to stress and anxiety, these herbs may lead to restlessness and insomnia, and may make the condition worse. In this case, a Chinese herbal formula based on syndrome differentiation is more effective than that of using only these herbs. 

TCM as it is now known is perhaps the best known of the traditional systems. The philosophy underlying it reflects a distinct Chinese view of the world, which differs significantly from the western philosophical view. Much emphasis is placed on the importance of energy flows (Qi) allied to eight conditions involving concepts such as yin, yang, full, empty, hot, cold, external and internal. These in turn are linked to five phases and a classification of herbs into one of five tastes, namely bitter, sweet, pungent, salty or sour. Whatever the philosophical basis of ill-health and its prevention and treatment, the materia medica which has accumulated in TCM over... 

As a result of its wide territory and variety of geography, China is rich in both medicinal plants and herb medicine culture. At the present time, Chinese medicine enjoys even more popularity compared to the modem western medicine in China. Both the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)... 

While the major effort in the study of Chinese medicines has been focused on active principles, there are considerable efforts focused on the study of active fractions of herbs. Numerous evidences suggest that multiple components contained in an active fraction of an herb would play synchronism in treatment of disease, although a single component may play a major role and other components would enhance the bioactivity and reduce the toxicity of the fraction. In addition, multiple ingredients in formulae of TCM from different medicines may as well show similar synchronism. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the most developed time-honored medicines in the world. It has a long history of use in practice and has been carefully recorded in ancient books. Shennong-Bencao (Shennong herbs) is a compendium book published back to A.D.200 [1]. The characteristics and medical applications of 356 medicines have been described in the book. Now TCMs have been developed to include 10,000 herbs and are popular in China for treating different kinds of diseases. The development of TCM with modem science and technology has allowed the exploration of many new dmgs some of them have... 

Immunomodulating polysaccharides are not confined to the fungal kingdom—they are also present in many plant-based medicines. While their significance in the immune-enhancing properties of Echinacea species is controversial, they have been shown to play significant roles in the activity of numerous herbs used in traditional Chinese (TCM) and Japanese (Kampo) medicines, as Table 9.1 demonstrates. 

Table 9.1 TCM and Kampo herbs containing bioactive polysaccharides...

TCM is based on natural products, primarily (>80%) plants. In China, many medicinal plants are used as folk dmgs (Min Chien Yao) however, TCM also holds a predominant and respected position in medicine and single or, more commonly, multiple formulated herbs are prescribed by TCM doctors as Chinese Materia Medica or traditional dmgs (Chung Yao) (I). Chinese medical literature has recorded over 100,000 (I Fang Chi Chieh) different formulas, usually containing 4 to 12 individual herbs with different pharmacological actions. 

Shen Nung also grouped 365 herbs into three classes, Upper, Middle, and Lower, based on herbal toxicities. The nontoxic and rejuvenating Upper class herbs can be taken continuously for a long period and form the main components of the dietary supplement dishes ( Yao Shan ). The Middle class herbs promote mental stability and can have either nontoxic or toxic effects. Thus, more caution must be taken with their use. The Lower Class herbs have toxic properties, cannot be taken for extended periods, and must be properly processed to reduce their toxicity before being used in TCM formulations. Selected Oriental herbal products of all three classes will be discussed in more detail in the next section, including folkloric use, chemical composition, and currently identified biological activities. 

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